Your Town 8.16.18

Two new beacons were installed in historic downtown to create a new crossing walk and legendary folk artist Ms. Ruby Williams talked to MAKE Plant City.

Thanks to the City of Plant City, pedestrians now have another crosswalk in historic downtown. Two Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons were installed on Collins and Drane Street. These devices will use LED flashing beacons and pedestrian warning signs to provide a “high-visibility strobe-like warning to drivers.”

The city has 10 of the RRFBs in place and, as more funding becomes available, they plan to add more beacons across town.

Ms. Ruby Williams is one of the greatest folk artists of all time. She spoke to MAKE Plant City Tuesday night at the Bing Rooming House.

MAKE meets Ms. Ruby

MAKE Plant City, a group of creatives and makers in the local community, held a special evening with legendary folk artist Ms. Ruby Williams.

Williams grew up in nearby Bealsville, a community formed by freed slaves in the 1860s. In Plant City, Williams is known as much for her art as she is for her renowned produce stand on State Road 60.

On Tuesday night she discussed her art career, the struggles she faced along the way and the love she has for her community. Her art has been displayed in galleries and museums across the country including the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in Washington D.C.